An explicit discontinuous Galerkin method for non-linear solid dynamics: Formulation, parallel implementation and scalability properties

An explicit-dynamics spatially discontinuous Galerkin (DG) formulation for non-linear solid dynamics is proposed and implemented for parallel computation. DG methods have particular appeal in problems involving complex material response, e.g. non-local behavior and failure, as, even in the presence of discontinuities, they provide a rigorous means of ensuring both consistency and stability. In the proposed method, these are guaranteed: the former by the use of average numerical fluxes and the latter by the introduction of appropriate quadratic terms in the weak formulation. The semi-discrete system of ordinary differential equations is integrated in time using a conventional second-order central-difference explicit scheme. A stability criterion for the time integration algorithm, accounting for the influence of the DG discretization stability, is derived for the equivalent linearized system. This approach naturally lends itself to efficient parallel implementation. The resulting DG computational framework is implemented in three dimensions via specialized interface elements. The versatility, robustness and scalability of the overall computational approach are all demonstrated in problems involving stress-wave propagation and large plastic deformations. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.